'Strictly Come Dancing' star Dan Walker 'really struggling' with paso doble training

BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker has admitted he’s "really struggling" on Strictly Come Dancing ahead of his next dance.

The sports pundit and early morning host, who is partnered with Nadiya Bychkova, is set to perform a paso doble to Giant by Calvin Harris and Rag N Bone Man this weekend.

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Today, he responded to a Twitter post from a fan asking how his legs were feeling as he continues the rigorous training schedule.

“Legs are a bit weary. I'll be honest with you…,” Walker wrote. “I am really struggling with this week's dance. Nothing went in yesterday. It was just a sweaty mess.

“Back at it today with [Bychkova] so hopefully something will click.”

The 44-year-old performed his first routine with Bychkova on Saturday night as the series competition kicked off.

Dancing a quickstep to Everybody Needs Somebody (To Love) by the Blues Brothers, the duo earned 24 points for their efforts.

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The high-energy routine clearly took its toll and Walker was seen lying face-down immediately after he’d finished.

Anton Du Beke, who has stepped up to a judge’s position for the first time this series, admitted he thought Walker would be "awful" but was surprised by his effort.

Speaking to Claudia Winkleman after the performance, Walker said: "I've spent most of my life terrified of dance floors because I'm tall and awkward.

"This amazing woman has enabled me to do that in just 10 days' time, which is truly incredible.

"She deserves all the praise for me not looking like an idiot out there."

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"I said I'd get her a present if we got double figures, so I better sort that out,” he added.

Walker dedicated the dance to his former co-star Louise Minchin, who left her position on BBC Breakfast last week.

The star had better get his dancing shoes on quick if he’s to be in with a chance of getting to the glitterball, with the first elimination taking place this week.

Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies is currently at the bottom of the leaderboard with Aljaz Skorjanec, while presenter AJ Odudu has risen to the top with new pro Kai Widdrington.

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But it’s still all to play for with the scores from last week rolling over into week two.

Unfortunately, McFly star Tom Fletcher and partner Amy Dowden will not be able to compete this week, after both testing positive for coronavirus.

They are now in isolation with hopes for them to return in week three.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday night on BBC One, with the results show airing on Sunday night.

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